GMA Music Week kicks off with retailer awards |
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Sunday, 22 April 2007 08:00 PM America/New_York |
Berean Christian Stores, online retailer Musichristian.com, Family Christian Stores and Lighthouse Christian Stores were the big winners in retail categories during last night's Radio/Retail Echo Awards, which kicked off the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Music Week in Nashville. Tony Smith, music buyer for Berean, the winner for Best Regional Retailer (five to 49 stores), was the only retailer present to accept an award. He noted the “vision and passion” of those in the retail business. Family Christian Stores received an award for Best Retail Chain (50 or more stores), while California's Lighthouse Christian Stores won for Best Local Retailer (one to four stores) and Musichristian.com won for Best Online Retailer. The awards, which also featured performances by new artists Leeland, DecembeRadio and Ayiesha Woods, were part of the Christian Music Retail Conference (CMRC). The Sunday Morning Chapel Service featured music and ministry from Ross Parsley, senior pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., along with performances by Desperation and Jared Anderson. Sunday Evening Worship, which featured music from Hillsong United, was hosted by Michael W. Smith, who shared the stage at the Ryman Auditorium with actor Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in The Passion of The Christ. Earlier in the day, Caviezel spoke during Smith's induction into the Nashville Walk of Fame, along with fellow inductees Wynonna Judd, Emmylou Harris and Frances Preston. The CMRC concluded with a Songwriter's Showcase, which was hosted by Mark Schultz and American Idol contestant Mandisa, and featured performances by Mark Hall, Chris Tomlin, Ian Eskelin and BarlowGirl.
Closing out GMA Music Week, the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held April 25 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
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